1. The Soul Picnic 2025 brings community and culture out to party! This vibrant festival celebrates the rich tapestry of soul music and features talented artists, DJs, and bands that will have attendees grooving. Delicious cuisine from local vendors, craft beverages, and engaging activities for all ages will be offered, and the welcoming atmosphere and lively performances make this the perfect event for connecting with friends and celebrating the power of music! Saturday, August 16, 5 p.m. $50.36 and up. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/the-soul-picnic
2. Fortnight Brewing Company, which brings the taste of English beers to North Carolina, and host Socks Off Entertainment invite families out for a day of fun, creativity, and community. The Fourth Annual Kids Fest features a bounce house, arts and crafts activities, face painting, entertainment, a vendor market, food trucks — and, of course, plenty of pints. Sunday, August 17, noon to 5 p.m. Free admission. 1006 SW Maynard Road, Cary. fortnightbrewing.com
3. Pack the street and show your Wolfpack pride at NC State’s Packapalooza! This all-day block party and street festival packs in the fun and festivities, as 85,000 attendees can attest. Capping off Wolfpack Welcome Week, and kicking off the 2025–2026 school year, the tradition includes live music, entertainment, family-friendly activities, food vendors, community information, and more. Saturday, August 23, 2–10 p.m. Free admission. Hillsborough Street, Raleigh. packapalooza.ncsu.edu
4. Celebrating its 49th year in 2025, the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival is one of the premier arts experiences in the country. The juried show draws artists from across the United States, along with 50,000 attendees over a two-day celebration of art and entertainment in downtown Cary. Whether you’re into creativity or community, this is the weekend to get out and enjoy. Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission. Cary Town Hall Campus. carync.gov/lazydaze
5. Get ready to move to the music with Grown Folk Funk & Classic R&B Concert — a party with a purpose that benefits Melodies 4 Healing, whose mission is to provide free performances for marginalized members of the community. From pure soul to timeless funk, Daye’ly Melodies Band will perform the ultimate tribute to classic R&B and old-school funk with timeless hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. Saturday, September 6, 7:30–9:30 p.m. $27–$32. Cary Arts Center. carync.gov/curatedconcerts
- Garden Adventurer: Spinach Planting Time!
- Small Business Spotlight: Sweet Talk Cafe
- Irregardless of Time
- Liquid Assets: Beekeeper Honey Wheat Ale
- Liquid Assets: Mae Culpa
- Erica Chats: Rethinking Food
- Pay It Forward: Raleigh City Farm
- Her Garden Grows
- Burger Bonanza
- A Family Affair
- Buzzing with Purpose
- Buzz-Worthy Bites
- Things to Do: August 2025
